Comprehensive Autism Testing for Children & Teenagers

Our autism assessment includes:
🔹 ADOS-2 testing – the gold standard for autism diagnosis
🔹 Comprehensive behavioral evaluation from parents, teachers or caregivers
🔹 One-on-one observations with an experienced licensed psychologist
🔹 A full diagnostic report with a personalized treatment plan

We go beyond just providing a diagnosis—we focus on understanding your child’s unique needs and strengths.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Approximately 1% of the population in the Netherlands—around 200,000 people—has ASD.

Autism characteristics often include:
✔️ Challenges in social interactions and communication
✔️ Rigid thinking and repetitive behaviors
✔️ Sensory sensitivities – over- or under-reacting to sounds, textures, or lights
✔️ Deep interest in specific topics

Autism is not an illness—it is a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. Early detection helps children receive the right guidance and support to navigate their unique challenges.

What Causes Autism?

The exact cause of autism remains unknown, but research suggests that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. Studies indicate that brain development in individuals with autism differs from those without the condition.

Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, premature birth, or infections during pregnancy may also increase the likelihood of developing ASD.

Recognizing Autism in Children

Autism manifests in different ways in different children. Some children struggle with social interactions, while others have intense focus on specific subjects, such as dinosaurs, numbers, or space. Many children with ASD find sudden changes in routine overwhelming and may become anxious or frustrated.

Common characteristics include:
✔️ Difficulty understanding emotions – trouble recognizing facial expressions or social cues
✔️ Sensory challenges – sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lights
✔️ Preference for routines – resistance to change in daily activities
✔️ Repetitive behaviors – engaging in specific movements or speech patterns

Autism often presents differently in girls vs. boys. Research suggests that many girls with ASD go undiagnosed because their symptoms are less obvious. Studies indicate that about 25% of individuals with ASD and normal intelligence are female (Spek, 2018), though some experts believe the percentage is much higher (Loomes et al., 2017). Notable figures such as Temple Grandin, Bianca Toeps, and Greta Thunberg have helped raise awareness about autism in women.

Diagnosing autism is a detailed process—there is no single medical test for autism. Instead, diagnosis is based on behavioral observations, developmental history, and specialized assessments like the ADOS-2 test. The ADOS-2 is a highly regarded, structured assessment requiring specialized training. At Psylicht, we have the expertise and experience needed for an accurate autism diagnosis.

✔️ Diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria – the international standard for autism assessment
✔️ Certified psychologists trained in ASD diagnosis
✔️ No waiting list – results within 4 weeks
✔️ No referral required

📩 Interested in an autism test? Contact us today! or do the Autism selftest